Apple Proposes 15% Cut on Purchases Outside the App Store

So here’s the deal.

Apple just dropped its proposal for how much it wants to charge developers when people buy stuff through external links inside apps. And yeah, they want a cut. Even when the purchase doesn’t happen inside the App Store.

Let me break this down for you.

The Supreme Court basically told Apple “enough is enough” and forced them to submit their plan. They had been trying to delay this whole thing, but the court rejected their bid to pause the proceedings. So on Thursday, Apple finally put their cards on the table.

Here’s what Apple are proposing:

• Standard apps: 15% commission
• Small business developers: 5% commission
• Video Partner Program, News Partner Program, Mini Apps Partner Program: 10% commission
• Subscription renewals: 10% commission

Now let me explain what this actually means.

Remember the whole Epic Games versus Apple drama? This has been going on for years. Epic basically said Apple was being anti-competitive by forcing everyone to use their payment system and taking a big chunk of the money. That case is still rolling through the courts.

Apple’s argument here is pretty straightforward. They say they built the App Store, they built the tools, they built the whole ecosystem, and they deserve to get paid for it. Their exact words are that they need to “recoup their investments in the tools, technology, and services that allow it to maintain its App Store and software.”

Fair enough, right?

But here’s the interesting part. Apple tried to argue that these proceedings should wait until the Supreme Court ruled on another issue. That issue was whether Apple was in contempt of a court order when they imposed a 27% commission on external link purchases and put restrictions on how developers could show those links to customers.

Basically, Apple was trying to run out the clock.

And the Supreme Court said no.

So now we have this proposal on the table.

Why should you care about this?

Because this affects you. Every time you buy something through an app, there’s a fee somewhere in that transaction. Developers aren’t just going to eat these costs. They’re going to pass them along to you.

That subscription you’re paying for? That in-app purchase you made? Some of that money is going to Apple. And if it charges developers 15%, developers will charge you 15% more. Or they’ll find other ways to make up the difference.

Here’s something else worth knowing.

Apple is basically saying “look, Google does this too.” And they’re right. Google Play charges 20% for standard apps, 15% for special programs, and 10% for subscription renewals on external link purchases.

The kicker? Epic Games actually agreed to those Google rates. So Apple is pointing at that and saying “see, it’s fine when Google does it.”

What happens now?

The court is going to review this proposal. Nothing changes until they approve it. And you can bet developers are going to have something to say about this. Epic Games definitely will. They’ve been fighting this whole thing from the beginning.

So what’s the bottom line?

Apple wants a cut of purchases made outside the App Store. The court forced them to reveal their plan. The numbers are 15% for most apps, with discounts for smaller developers and special programs. And eventually, you’re probably going to see those costs reflected in what you pay.

This thing isn’t over yet. The court still has to approve it. Developers are going to push back. And we’re probably going to see more legal battles ahead.

But for now, this is where things stand.